Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Congress Leaders arrested for attacks on Christians in Mangalore

September 22, 2008 18:56 ISTSticking to the theory that the recent spate of attacks on churches were a conspiracy, Karnataka Chief Minister, BS Yeddyurappa on Monday said that the police had arrested three persons including the son of a local Congress leader in connection with the violence.

Yeddyurappa who convened an emergency Cabinet meeting said that the incident at Sagar in Shimoga district was the handiwork of three persons including the son of a local Congress leader.

The chief minister said that Sudarshan, one of the men arrested is the son of Lalithamma, a local Congress leader and former member of the town's municipal council. Ravi, another person arrested in connection with the attack is said to have instigated these youth to desecrate Churches by promising to pay Rs 15 lakh.

Apart from this the police have also arrested five persons who were indulging in aggressive propaganda. The CM said that these persons were indulging in religious conversions in the Kodagu district and material to this effect has also been seized from them.

On the action taken in the aftermath of Sunday's violence at Bangalore, the CM said that a constable who was on duty at the time of the violence had been suspended. The CM said that there was nothing for the minorities to worry as security has been beefed up around churches and mosques. At least 5 constables have been posted around each church and patrolling has been intensified.

The provisions of the Goonda Act would be invoked against those persons indulging in such attacks, the CM also warned.

The CM said that there was a desperate attempt being made to malign the image of the first Bharatiya Janata Party government in south India. The conspiracy to malign the government in the state would be be foiled, the CM said.

Yeddyurappa said that the opposition could not digest the fact that the BJP had achieved so much in the first 100 days in office and hence were out to spoil the reputation of the government.